v. i. [ L. retrospicere; retro back + specere, spectum, to look. See Spy, and cf. Expect. ] To look backward; hence, to affect or concern what is past. [ 1913 Webster ]
It may be useful to retrospect to an early period. A. Hamilton. [ 1913 Webster ]
n. A looking back on things past; view or contemplation of the past. Cowper. [ 1913 Webster ]
We may introduce a song without retrospect to the old comedy. Landor. [ 1913 Webster ]
n. The act, or the faculty, of looking back on things past. [ 1913 Webster ]
a. [ Cf. F. rétrospectif. ]
The sage, with retrospective eye. Pope. [ 1913 Webster ]
Inflicting death by a retrospective enactment. Macaulay. [ 1913 Webster ]
adv. By way of retrospect. [ 1913 Webster ]